Malawi University of Science give ‘third term’ contracts to staff
The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has come under fire for giving ‘third term’ contracts to two of its senior staff members which is contrary to conditions of service.
Nyasa Times can reveal that Director of Finance Macdonald Hudge and University Librarian Martin Thawani were recently offered new third term contracts which is against the provisions of conditions of service at the University.
Insiders said laws regarding contracts at MUST stipulate that an officer can have his or her contract renewed once after the first contract, meaning they cannot serve for ‘a third term’ of contract.
Sources said Hudge and Thawani already served a maximum of two terms consisting of three year contracts and were not eligible for the third three year contract.
“But against this clear rule, management here decided to award these two senior people with illegal third term contracts. If there is a law, it must apply to everyone not just a selected individuals,” said our impeccable source at MUST.
“Our moto here is ‘where excellence reigns’ and where is the excellence if we are not adhering to our own conditions of service. People should be given a chance to be competing for these positions, not just give each other positions in the boardroom.”
“There is a reason why they did not want to award people third term contracts and surely we must not abuse this. You cannot hold on to a position up to more than 10 years doing the same thing. How will other people progress?” questioned one employee who did not want to be named.
MUST Communications Manager James Mphande could not immediately comment.
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A stupid rule, whoever wrote that law must be crazy.
Osangonena kuti ntchitoyo mukuifuna bwanji? MUST siyomachitira chibwanatu and you should also put a good picture of MUST Not the one you have shown there. Nsanje ndi dziko lako lomwe bwanji?
Its a two term contract boss. Simunamve pati?
May be I am not getting it right. Does it mean you can not work more than 6yrs or rather 10yrs with this organisation? So the person being dismissed here doesn’t need any progress. It is a bit strange the reasoning behind it.
Nothing wrong here. The institution is here forever and contracts can be renewed as long as the services of the persons are still required.
kumanva zomwe za lembedwa. those on permanent position are allowed. those on contract two terms. these applies to senior position of directors and above. if their age allows them, then they could apply for a permanent position.
These are not academic positions and as such they can hold them up to retirement as long as they compete for the positions. Administrative positions can be held for as long as the university thinks the skills of the official are relevant. Positions like Head of Department, Dean, Vice Chancellor have limitations of two term